Stoke City have struggled to live up to some of the early hype, with them picking up just two points from their first three Championship games.

Although some might point to a naivety at Championship level, with Gary Rowett in charge that shouldn't be the case.

He's been here before, managing in the second tier with Derby and he should know better than anyone what is required.

The Stoke squad is strong, but there's still too many players over which a question mark hangs. Have they retained too many from the relegated squad? Are they destined to be this year's Sunderland?

It isn't panic stations yet, but as each game approaches more questions get raised than answered.

Here, FLW look at three talking points ahead of this evening's clash with a talented Wigan side.

The Everton player joined on loan recently and could be making his debut this evening.

Stoke haven't convinced at the back and how the player settle in will be a big indication of how comfortable fans can be over the next couple of months.

If he settles quickly, it might take some pressure of the Potters.

The bet365 Stadium hasn't been kind to Stoke recently, they're without a home win in eight months.

They beat Huddersfield 2-0 in January but haven't won at home in competitive action since. That needs to change this evening if they're going to live up to their pre-season billing as a team to be fearful of.

He should be good at this level, the one-time wonderkid has all the attributes to thrive in the Championship.

Last time out he looked lethargic, disinterested and off the pace. He could be replaced this evening by Mame Biram Diouf, which would change the dimension of Stoke's attack completely.

Getting Berahino firing is something Rowett needs if he's going to get the best out of his strikers, but if he's dropped tonight it could spell the end for the controversial former West Brom man.